Borax Vs OxiClean: What Are the Differences? 

Borax and OxiClean are vital solutions for eliminating stains from clothing and cleaning hard surfaces in the house. However, is one more efficacious than the other? In this Borax Vs OxiClean comparison, we have provided the details of both of them and a comparison between them.

By the time you have finished reading, you’ll understand the critical distinctions between borax and OxiClean and have all the information you need to determine which solution is the best fit for your requirements.

What Exactly is Borax?

Before starting a Borax Vs OxiClean comparison, we need to understand both. Borax is a mineral found in nature. Its chemical formula is Na2B4O7 • 10H2O. Additionally, borax is called sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, and disodium tetraborate. It is an important compound of boron. International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry recognized borax officially as a sodium tetraborate decahydrate.

Is Borax a Safe Substance?

Numerous DIY house cleaning techniques available online use borax as an eco-friendly substitute for petroleum-based products. While borax is a naturally occurring mineral, this does not make it safe. Borax is a hydroxide-based compound and can burn your skin. The best way to use it is to dilute it, as in borax detergent or homemade laundry detergent. If you were to ingest any of the borax, you would probably become quite ill.

Borax is frequently used as an insecticide, especially on ants. This clearly suggests a threshold of toxicity that may be hazardous to people and animals once a particular dose is exceeded. Although there is no evidence that humans are harmed by the modest levels of borax normally found in cleaning solutions, it is best to avoid it entirely.

What Exactly is OxiClean?

Now that we understand one Borax in our Borax Vs OxiClean comparison, we next need to take a look at Oxiclean. OxiClean is well-known due to its television infomercials. The product was initially offered via an infomercial, but rapidly expanded to be sold online and in shops nationwide. It is a combination of a sodium percarbonate detergent and a bleaching agent. When the two are combined and dissolved in water, hydrogen peroxide is formed. Because hydrogen peroxide is a strong oxidizing agent, it effectively removes stains.

OxiClean is a stain remover that comes in a powdered form within a plastic bottle that activates when water is introduced. Oxygen is subsequently released, which destroys stains on garments and other washable surfaces without causing the fabric to deteriorate. The composition has been improved over time to combat a broader spectrum of stubborn stains, including oil and grass stains.

The active ingredient that makes clothes look brighter and whiter is sodium percarbonate, a chemical compound with the formula Na2CO3(HPCO3)2 • H2O.

Borax Vs OxiClean – What is the Difference?

Now that we understand both, what is the difference between Borax Vs OxiClean? When purchasing a stain-removing detergent, it is critical to understand how the goods will respond when exposed to the materials. Additionally, you want to ensure that the compound is compatible with different detergents or fabric softeners.

Both Borax and OxiClean deal with chemical reactions that lead to the formation of hydrogen peroxide. Or, to put it another way, they turn water cells into hydrogen peroxide. However, the process is slightly different from both.

Without delving too deeply into chemistry, it’s critical to understand that the active ingredients in Borax and OxiClean are somewhat different. Borax and borates usually convert to hydrogen peroxide, although they are slow and ineffective. It works effectively at softening the water and prevents the stain from being ‘protected’ by hard minerals. This enables the detergent of your choice to operate freely.

OxiClean also accomplishes this. However, it also works to eliminate the discoloration. This is because OxiClean contains sodium carbonate, another ingredient that aids in stain removal and water softening. It’s a two-for-one deal that increases its effectiveness slightly.

Both chemicals are entirely safe to use in conjunction with other detergents, however it is not essential or recommended with OxiClean unless absolutely necessary. This is the primary distinction between OxiClean and Borax. On the other hand, it uses a very small detergent in your washing machine because it greatly increases its efficiency. When a small amount of Borax is added to the washing machine, you may really reduce your detergent consumption by approximately two-thirds.

Thus, both are good choices in terms of safety and cleaning ability. To summarize Borax Vs OxiClean, you are purchasing two distinct products:

Borax works by amplifying the cleansing power of other substances. Additionally, it assists in removing stains and sanitizing your garments and materials. It is very effective on acidic stains such as tomato sauce or wine/coffee.

OxiClean works independently of other products to lift stains, eliminate smells, and disinfect the cloth. It may be combined with other chemicals but is not required. OxiClean is one of the few products on the market that effectively removes stains based on proteins such as sweat and blood. It does, however, perform effectively against greasy and acidic stains.

Borax Vs OxiClean FAQ

Does Borax Kill Fleas & Roaches?

Borax is a hydrated salt of boric acid. It’s an ingredient used for the purpose of removing odors and killing or repelling insects. It’s one of the oldest pesticides on the marketplace. Borax is typically used as a bug killer, as well as termite or cockroach control. The effectiveness of borax depends on how you use it.

is Borax Safe for Cats & Dogs?

Borax is a naturally occurring mineral. Although it is safe for humans, there is nothing to suggest that it is safe to use on animals. It should be used with caution in households with pets because if they consume it, they can get sick.

If you are searching for a pet-friendly option cleaning product, consider trying natural flea control products that do not contain harmful chemicals or ingredients that could potentially harm your pet’s health.

Can I use Borax on Colored Clothes?

Borax is a safe and effective way to remove stains from white fabrics. It can also be used in conjunction with other cleaners (if needed) to treat colored fabrics. The only caution you should be aware of is that using Borax on colored clothes can fade them over time; this usually isn’t a problem with white garments but it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on how Borax should be used on other colors.

Does Borax Bleach Clothes?

Borax is a coarse, white powder that has many uses ranging from cleaning to cooking. It is safe to use on clothes, however excessive use can cause your clothing to fade over time. Always read the instructions on the packaging before using and be sure to wear protective gloves when handling Borax powder.

Can you use Borax and OxiClean in the Washer?

For best results, we’d recommend using the following method:

1. Fill the detergent dispenser with hot (100 degrees Fahrenheit or above) water.
2. Add in 2 heaping tablespoons of OxiClean powder, along with 2 tablespoons of Borax powder and 2 tablespoons of Citric Acid and unplug the washer.
3. Run a normal cycle and add a cup of Fabuloso dish soap to your load if using fabric softener (optional).

Conclusion

Borax is a very beneficial ingredient to keep around the house to boost the effectiveness of your favorite detergent. However, we believe that OxiClean is significantly superior for the majority of general purposes. It is more effective on protein-based stains, does not require a detergent, and may be used in practically any situation in place of all other cleaning agents.

Thus, our conclusion is that OxiClean will work better in practically every case. This is simply because Borax is ineffective on its own. However, it is critical to remember that Borax has a number of applications and may cover niches that OxiClean cannot. Thus, it all depends on your purpose of using it.

Need help with home cleaning? Visit Home Cleaning Planet for great advice.